Free parking scheme could be spread out across Perthshire

A pilot free parking scheme which has been hailed a major coup for Perth city centre could be rolled out across the region.

The initiative, which gives motorists the chance to park without charge for 15 minutes, was launched as part of a shake-up in 2015.

The aim was to bring more people into the city centre and give them a few minutes to stop and pick up their shopping.

It was originally meant to run for a year, but was extended in a 2016 parking review following the collapse of McEwens of Perth.

The department store’s closure triggered calls for change from local traders.

Now the 15-minute scheme is expected to spread across the Perth and Kinross patch.

The council’s environment, enterprise and infrastructure committee will be asked this week to approve plans to introduce the service at every local authorityoperated pay-and-display site.

This includes some of the region’s busiest towns such as Blairgowrie, Crieff, Dunkeld and Pitlochry.

Traffic and network manager Charles Haggart said: “As a result of very positive feedback from customers and businesses in Perth city centre, several requests were received for the initiative to be extended across the whole of Perth and Kinross.”

It will cost the council around £4,000 to make changes to signs and ticket machines.

Last year, the council introduced dozens of new spaces in Perth city centre as a direct response to demands from local shopkeepers.

A £1.5 million refurbishment of the Canal Street multi-storey car park was also undertaken.

When new parking bays were introduced on Tay Street, the council compensated for a loss of a cycle lane by introducing a “shared use” cycle and footpath on the pavement.

A similar scheme is likely to be introduced in Lewis Place, North Muirton.

Perth and Kinross councillors will discuss the free parking plan on Wednesday.